English Language History (1700 - 1900) Flashcards
(16 cards)
What were the major social developments in England during 1700 - 1750?
During 1700–1750, the Age of Reason stimulated intellectual debate and increased literacy. The proliferation of newspapers, pamphlets, and books encouraged a more informed and engaged society, while coffeehouses became popular venues for discussion.
What were the major technological developments in England during 1700 - 1750?
This period witnessed early advances in technology such as the development of improved steam engines and enhanced postal services. These innovations laid the groundwork for the later Industrial Revolution and aided the standardisation of language through widespread printed materials.
What were the major military events or conflicts in England during 1700 - 1750?
England was engaged in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714) and various colonial conflicts. These military events influenced political discourse and introduced a range of new military and diplomatic terms into everyday language.
What were the major linguistic impacts on English during 1700 - 1750?
The period saw the beginnings of language standardisation, highlighted by the creation of dictionaries such as Samuel Johnson’s in the 1740s. French continued to influence English, and prescriptive approaches to grammar helped stabilise spelling and usage.
What were the major social developments in England during 1750 - 1800?
Between 1750 and 1800, significant social changes occurred as the American colonies moved toward independence, marking the early divergence of British and American English. Industrial growth and urbanisation began reshaping society, giving rise to a new middle class and altering social hierarchies.
What were the major technological developments in England during 1750 - 1800?
The early Industrial Revolution brought about mechanisation in factories and improvements in transportation, such as canals and enhanced engineering techniques. These innovations not only transformed production but also enriched English with a growing technical vocabulary.
What were the major military events or conflicts in England during 1750 - 1800?
British military campaigns in India and North America—including conflicts like the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) and the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783)—fostered cross-cultural interactions and introduced new military, strategic, and diplomatic terms into the language.
What were the major linguistic impacts on English during 1750 - 1800?
During this period, American English began to develop its own distinct spelling and vocabulary, later codified by figures such as Noah Webster. In addition, the rapid industrial and scientific advances demanded a specialised lexicon, and borrowings from indigenous languages increased as global interactions expanded.
What were the major social developments in England during 1800 - 1850?
The period from 1800 to 1850 was marked by rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, which transformed social structures. Population growth, the rise of a middle class, and expanding public education redefined daily life and contributed to new social reforms.
What were the major technological developments in England during 1800 - 1850?
Advancements such as the railways, telegraphs, and steamships revolutionised communication and transportation. These innovations not only enhanced commerce and mobility but also introduced new terminologies into English as society adapted to modern technology.
What were the major military events or conflicts in England during 1800 - 1850?
The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) dominated this era, reshaping European politics and military strategy. The conflicts led to an influx of military jargon and complex diplomatic vocabulary that enriched English discourse.
What were the major linguistic impacts on English during 1800 - 1850?
Industrialisation and urbanisation contributed to the emergence of new urban slang and technical vocabulary. The Romantic movement also influenced the language, introducing expressive idioms and literary styles that reflected the dynamic social changes of the era.
What were the major social developments in England during 1850 - 1900?
The Victorian Age saw the peak of the British Empire and significant social reform. Expanding public education and a rising middle class, along with debates on social justice and modernity, redefined English society during this transformative period.
What were the major technological developments in England during 1850 - 1900?
Innovations such as the telephone, typewriter, and further improvements in railways and steamships revolutionised communication and industry. These advancements facilitated faster information exchange and helped integrate the world more closely, influencing everyday language.
What were the major military events or conflicts in England during 1850 - 1900?
Conflicts such as the Crimean War (1853–1856) and various colonial engagements underscored the global reach of the British Empire. Military operations during this period introduced specialised jargon and reflected the strategic complexities of imperial rule.
What were the major linguistic impacts on English during 1850 - 1900?
Global expansion brought a multitude of loanwords from regions like India, Africa, and Australia into English (e.g. ‘pajamas’ and ‘jungle’). Additionally, the rise of the novel as a popular literary form, championed by authors like Dickens and Hardy, enriched English with vivid new expressions and further standardised its usage.
